Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats

It’s Easter, and if you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for fun, festive, and, let’s be honest, easy treats to make with the family. This year, I decided to ditch the complicated baking projects and dive headfirst into a childhood classic with a delightful Easter twist: Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats. Let me tell you, it was a resounding success! From the moment the vibrant pastel marshmallows started melting in the pot, the kids were mesmerized. Shaping them into adorable bunny silhouettes was a breeze, even for little hands, and the decorating? Pure, unadulterated joy. Sprinkles flew, candy eyes were meticulously placed, and chocolate noses appeared on every bunny face. The best part? They tasted just as good as they looked – that perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and sweet that only a Rice Krispies Treat can deliver. These Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats weren’t just a fun activity; they were a delicious, memory-making experience that everyone, from the toddlers to the grandparents, absolutely adored. If you’re searching for an Easter treat that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and requires minimal effort, look no further. These bunnies are hopping into our Easter traditions for years to come!

Ingredients for Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The star of the show! These crispy rice puffs provide the signature texture and base for our treats.
• 10 oz marshmallows: Choose mini or large marshmallows; either works. They melt down to create the gooey binder that holds everything together.
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor, and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly.
• Pastel food coloring (pink, blue, yellow, green): To give your bunnies that delightful Easter hue. Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant colors without adding too much liquid.
• White chocolate or candy melts: For creating the bunny ears and optional details.
• Pink candy melts or frosting: For the cute bunny noses.
• Candy eyes: To bring your bunnies to life! Small candy eyes work best for bunny faces.
• Sprinkles, jimmies, or sanding sugar: For extra decoration and festive flair. Choose pastel colors to keep with the Easter theme.
• Optional decorations: Mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, edible glitter – get creative!

How to Make Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats

1. Prepare your pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easier removal and cleanup later. Having your pan ready will streamline the process once the marshmallow mixture is ready.
2. Melt the butter: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven set over low heat, melt the butter completely. Keep the heat low to prevent the butter from browning or burning. Melting the butter first creates a smooth base for the marshmallows.
3. Melt the marshmallows: Add the marshmallows to the melted butter in the saucepan. Stir constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. Continue stirring to ensure they melt evenly and don’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Low and slow is key here to prevent scorched marshmallows.
4. Add food coloring: Once the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. Divide the melted marshmallow mixture into separate bowls if you want to make different colored bunnies. Add a few drops of your chosen pastel food coloring to each bowl and stir until the color is evenly distributed throughout the marshmallow mixture. Start with a small amount of food coloring and add more gradually until you reach your desired shade. Remember, gel food coloring is more concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
5. Incorporate the Rice Krispies: Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into each bowl of colored marshmallow mixture. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture using a spatula until the cereal is evenly coated. Work quickly but gently to avoid crushing the Rice Krispies. Ensure every piece of cereal is coated for the best texture and hold.
6. Press into the pan: Immediately transfer the Rice Krispies mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula, your fingers (lightly greased with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking), or the bottom of a measuring cup, gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Do not press too hard, as this can make the treats dense and hard. Aim for a slightly compact but still light and airy texture.
7. Cool and set: Allow the Rice Krispies Treats to cool and set completely in the pan. This will typically take about 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by placing the pan in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. The treats should be firm to the touch before you attempt to cut them.
8. Cut out bunny shapes: Once the treats are fully set, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang if you used it, or by loosening the edges with a knife. Place the slab of Rice Krispies Treats on a cutting board. Use a bunny-shaped cookie cutter to cut out bunny shapes. You can find bunny cookie cutters in various sizes and shapes online or at craft stores. For any leftover pieces, you can reshape them into smaller bunnies or simply enjoy them as squares.
9. Prepare bunny ears: While the treats are setting, prepare the bunny ears. Melt white chocolate or candy melts according to package directions. You can use a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once melted, you can either pipe ear shapes onto parchment paper and let them harden, or you can dip pretzel sticks or small wafer cookies into the melted chocolate to create ears. Let the ears harden completely.
10. Decorate your bunnies: Once the bunny shapes are cut and the ears are hardened, it’s time to decorate! Attach the candy eyes using a small dab of melted white chocolate or frosting. For the noses, use pink candy melts or frosting. You can pipe a small dot of melted pink candy melt and let it harden, or use pink frosting to create a cute nose. Attach the bunny ears to the top of each bunny using a dab of melted white chocolate or frosting on the back.
11. Add final touches: Now for the fun part – sprinkles! Decorate your Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats with pastel sprinkles, jimmies, or sanding sugar. You can also add mini chocolate chips for whiskers, shredded coconut for bunny fur, or edible glitter for extra sparkle. Get creative and let your imagination run wild!
12. Let decorations set: Allow all decorations to set completely before serving or storing the Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats. This will ensure that the decorations are secure and won’t smudge.

Nutrition Facts for Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats (per serving)

• Serving Size: 1 bunny treat (estimated, size may vary based on cookie cutter)
• Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
• Sugar: 25g

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Preparation Time for Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooling/Setting time: 1 hour

This Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make! From melting the butter and marshmallows to pressing the mixture into the pan and letting it set, the active preparation time is around 20 minutes. The majority of the time is spent waiting for the treats to cool and firm up, which takes about an hour. This makes it a perfect last-minute treat to whip up for Easter gatherings or a fun activity to do with kids when you need a sweet and simple project.

How to Serve Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats

These adorable Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats are perfect for a variety of occasions and can be served in numerous delightful ways:

• Easter Brunch Dessert: Arrange them on a platter as part of your Easter brunch dessert spread. They add a fun, festive, and kid-friendly option alongside more traditional Easter desserts.
• Kids’ Easter Party Treat: They are a guaranteed hit at any kids’ Easter party! Serve them individually wrapped as party favors or display them on a colorful dessert table.
• Classroom Easter Celebration: Individually wrapped bunny treats are perfect for classroom Easter celebrations. They are easy to transport and distribute.
• Easter Egg Hunt Reward: Include these bunny treats as a special prize in your Easter egg hunt baskets. Kids will be thrilled to find a sweet bunny surprise.
• Gift for Neighbors or Friends: Package a few bunny treats in cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons as a thoughtful and homemade Easter gift for neighbors, friends, or teachers.
• Dessert Bar Addition: Include them on a dessert bar at any spring or Easter-themed gathering. They add visual appeal and a nostalgic touch.
• Simple After-Dinner Dessert: Enjoy them as a simple and sweet after-dinner dessert treat for your family on Easter Sunday or any spring day.
• Paired with Ice Cream or Yogurt: Serve a bunny treat alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of yogurt for a more substantial dessert.

Additional Tips for Perfect Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats

1. Use Fresh Marshmallows: Fresh marshmallows melt much smoother and easier than older ones, resulting in a better texture for your Rice Krispies Treats. If your marshmallows feel a bit stale, try adding a tablespoon of water or milk when melting them to help them soften up.
2. Don’t Overcook the Marshmallows: Melt the marshmallows over low heat and stir constantly. Overheating can make them tough and dry, which will result in hard Rice Krispies Treats. Remove the pan from the heat as soon as the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth.
3. Measure Rice Krispies Accurately: Using the correct ratio of Rice Krispies to marshmallow mixture is crucial for the right texture. Too much cereal will make them dry, while too little will make them too gooey. Use measuring cups to ensure you have the correct amount of Rice Krispies.
4. Work Quickly: Once the marshmallow mixture is combined with the Rice Krispies, work quickly to press it into the pan and cut out shapes. The mixture will start to set as it cools, making it harder to work with. Have your pan greased and cookie cutters ready to go.
5. Grease Your Utensils and Hands: Marshmallow mixture is sticky! Lightly grease your spatula, measuring cup (if using to press), and your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent the mixture from sticking to everything. This will make the process much smoother and less messy.
6. For Softer Treats, Use More Marshmallows: If you prefer softer, gooier Rice Krispies Treats, you can slightly increase the amount of marshmallows. Try using 12 oz of marshmallows instead of 10 oz for a chewier texture.
7. Customize Your Colors and Decorations: Get creative with your food coloring and decorations! Experiment with different pastel shades, use various types of sprinkles, candies, or even add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the finished bunnies for extra indulgence. Consider using natural food colorings for a more wholesome option.
8. Storage is Key: Store your Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and texture. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can make them hard and dry. If stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats

Q1: Can I make these Rice Krispies Treats ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats ahead of time! They are best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making them. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness and chewy texture. Making them a day or two in advance is a great way to reduce stress on Easter day.

Q2: Can I use different cereals besides Rice Krispies?
A: While Rice Krispies cereal provides the classic texture, you can experiment with other similar crispy rice cereals. However, the texture and flavor might slightly differ. For best results and that signature Rice Krispies Treat experience, sticking with Rice Krispies is recommended.

Q3: How do I prevent my Rice Krispies Treats from being too hard?
A: Several factors can contribute to hard Rice Krispies Treats. Avoid overheating the marshmallows, as this can make them tough. Use fresh marshmallows for smoother melting. Don’t pack the mixture too tightly into the pan; press gently. Also, ensure you have the correct ratio of marshmallows to Rice Krispies – too much cereal can result in a drier, harder treat.

Q4: Can I make these treats gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make these treats gluten-free! Rice Krispies cereal is generally considered gluten-free in many regions (always check the packaging to confirm, as ingredients can vary by location). Ensure that all other ingredients you use, such as marshmallows, candy melts, and decorations, are also certified gluten-free if you are strictly avoiding gluten.

Q5: What can I use if I don’t have bunny cookie cutters?
A: If you don’t have bunny cookie cutters, you can still make Easter-themed shapes! Use a knife or other cookie cutters to create square, rectangular, or even egg-shaped treats. You can also mold the mixture into balls or freeform bunny shapes by hand. Get creative with what you have!

Q6: Can I freeze Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats?
A: Freezing Rice Krispies Treats is not generally recommended as it can alter their texture. They may become harder and drier after thawing. For the best texture and flavor, it’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a few days of making them.

Q7: Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
A: Making these vegan or dairy-free requires ingredient substitutions. Look for vegan marshmallows (many brands are now available). Use a vegan butter substitute for the butter. Ensure your candy melts and decorations are also vegan and dairy-free if needed. With the right substitutions, you can create delicious vegan Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treats!

Q8: My marshmallow mixture is too sticky, what did I do wrong?
A: Marshmallow mixture is naturally sticky! However, if it’s excessively sticky and unmanageable, it could be due to a few reasons. You might have overheated the marshmallows, or you might have used too much butter. Make sure to melt the marshmallows over low heat and use the correct butter quantity. Greasing your utensils and hands generously will also help manage the stickiness. If it’s still very sticky, try adding a bit more Rice Krispies to balance the ratio.

Print